Eugene E. Zahner, 85, passed away Sunday, February 19, 2017, at his home in rural Auburn.

He was born Oct. 18, 1931, in Mishawaka to Edward H.F. and Minnie K. (Berger) Zahner, and they preceded him in death.

Eugene was a veteran of the United States Navy serving during the Korean War aboard the aircraft carrier USS Midway.

He worked for Kauffman and Sons in Goshen and Nappanee for 13 years and then went to work at the John Deere Company for 18 years, retiring in 1987.

Eugene married Patricia E. Lutes on May 19, 1957, in Nappanee, and she survives in Auburn.

He was a member of the County Line Church of God in rural Auburn.

He enjoyed traveling, building radio controlled models and farming his 10 acres with his antique farm equipment.

Also surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Craig E. and Mona Zahner of Garrett; two daughters and sons-in-law, Beverly J. and William Pazder of Fort Wayne and Regina L. and Glenn Roon III of Auburn; eight grandchildren, Eric Pazder, Jared Pazder, Corey Zahner, Chelsea Zahner, Jesse Zahner, Jacquelyne Zahner, Aubrey Zahner and Glenn Roon IV; a brother and sister-in-law, Jerry A. and Cathy Zahner of Wakarusa; and three sisters and brothers-in-law, Rosemary and Richard Deerdorf of Mishawaka, Margaret A. and Bill Copp of Mishawaka and Verna M. Martin of Mishawaka.

Services will be Thursday at 2 p.m. at Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 Center St., Auburn, with visitation from 1–2 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Pastor Steve Schlatter will be officiating. Burial will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery in Auburn with military honors being conducted by the United States Navy and American Legion Post 97 of Auburn.

Visitation also will be from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to the DeKalb County Humane Shelter.